[blparent] Spoon feeding concerns

[Karla Hudson]

Hi Jo Elizabeth,

I can tell you that both sighted and blind parents go through the high chair
mess.  However, very frustrating when you can not see where the mess is
going.  I know this from experience with my two children who worked me over
during this stage as well.  I do not like sticky messes and hated stained
clothing on my children.  You do not want this to become a huge battle as
you mentioned.  One suggestion I might have is to give her a spoon to hold
while you have your own for feeding.  She can do some feeding herself while
you jump in as well.  I also suggest giving her small portions than you
normally give her in order to reduce the mess.  You might consider giving
her a little bowl of yogurt while you have your own to feed her from at the
table.  Also, things that stick to the spoon are helpful such as cottage
cheese as it is thicker than yogurt.  Also, when your at home just strip her
clothing off for less staining and mess.   

Both my children went through a stage where they enjoyed watching food drop
from their high chair.  What a mess!  I purchased a "splat mat" from
babycenter.com.  The best one I could find there was a bit expensive but
worth it for cleaning up.  I still have it under my sons chair at age three
just to catch crumbs.  When I am cleaning the kitchen I just pick-up the mat
take it outside and sweep it off plus you can wash it in the washing
machine.  What a find!  

I refrained from giving my kids really saucy stuff which some might think
limited their food choices and tastes.  Oh well, I was in college before I
liked spaghetti sauce myself.  My daughter likes a dab of sauce now and
again on her pasta.  Some cooked pasta with shredded cheese can make a great
lunch for a toddler to practice eating on their own.  

The fingers for kids are a really great tool with the right foods.  I also
found target had some really nice spoons with short handles and large round
ends that seemed to work well for my kids.  I do not recall the brand.  

Others may criticize you for letting her eat two many finger foods.  I guess
I gave up worrying about it all when I became a more confident parent of
two.  My kids learned to use a spoon eventually and life moved on.  

Good luck and I hope this helps.  Try to make meal time fun.  I know it is
challenging some days and that is what naps are for so mom can have a break.
As for the relatives that might critique you.  Well, some day when your
child is grown you can look back and say that you raised your child
independent of anyone doing it for you.  My husband and I are both blind and
we do not have any relatives jumping in here.  We do it together and make it
work.  I know you can do it as well.      

Karla